COLUMN: Arts and Culture – SAC seeks performers for K.R. Barkman Concerts in the Park

The Steinbach Arts Council is once again looking for artists to share their talents with the community at the 2026 K.R. Barkman Concerts in the Park. This free outdoor concert series returns to the K.R. Barkman Park gazebo on Main Street throughout May and June. Applications are open to bands, soloists, dancers, choirs, and artists of all disciplines—including family and cultural groups and youth ensembles.

Apply to be a performer by April 27 at SteinbachArts.ca. Please include a short bio, media samples, and a promo photo with your submission.

The Steinbach Arts Council is delighted to partner with the Barkman Concrete Foundation to continue this tradition of bringing local and guest artists together for our community.

Steinbach Arts Council brings free professional theatre to local families

Get ready for a heartwarming adventure about friendship, courage, and discovering the world beyond your window! Meet Tad, a curious tree frog tadpole with a voice like a bird, and Birdy, a lovebird who knows everything except how to be happy. When these two unlikely friends meet in a messy bedroom, they couldn’t be more different. Birdy is content to stay put, while Tad dreams of exploring what lies beyond. But as their friendship grows, both begin to see the world, and themselves, in a whole new way.

Filled with laughter, music, and imagination, Tad and Birdy is a delightful story about hope, change, and finding the courage to spread your wings. Tickets for this professional theatre production for families are free, thanks to the generous support of our sponsor Steinbach Credit Union. Don’t miss this joyful experience for kids and adults alike!

Tickets are free for this show – advanced registration is required online at SteinbachArts.ca or by calling 204-346-1077. No tickets at the door.

Thanks to Steinbach Credit Union for sponsoring this show.

2026 summer arts day camps open for families in the Southeast

Summer arts day camps are back! Explore eight creative, themed weeks for children in age groups 3-4, 5-8, and 9–12. These camps are intentionally designed to nurture well-being and personal growth, offering a safe and supportive environment where experienced instructors lead campers through music, dance, theatre, visual arts and culinary arts.

The Steinbach Arts Council is dedicated to removing barriers for families and opening doors for children through the Steinbach Dodge Creative Kids Bursary Fund, Roxanne Klassen Memorial Fund, and the Vera Friesen Memorial Fund, which provides support specifically for summer arts day campers. Apply for a bursary for camps online or in person at the SAC administrative office.

For the full camp schedule and to register for camps, visit SteinbachArts.ca or call 204-346-1077. Thanks to Canadian Tire Steinbach for sponsoring the summer arts day camp program.

Backyard Theatre Company final production sells out

The Steinbach Arts Council’s Backyard Theatre Company (BTC) is thrilled to announce that its final production of the season, (Un)coordinated Battles, has officially sold out. This high-energy action comedy will capture audiences with big laughs, engaging characters, and a timely message about teamwork. Written and directed by Jeremy Plett with production direction by Akecia Peters, the show takes the stage on April 14, 2026, at the SRSS Theatre, featuring talented performers from BTC’s intermediate and advanced acting programs, with special appearances by BTC Musical Theatre and Dramatic Discovery students.

About the play: When three rival villains launch simultaneous attacks on the city, the world’s most confident spy team is forced to split up — and everything goes wrong. Outmatched and out of sync, the elite agents must team up with the overlooked newbies they’ve been ignoring if they hope to save the day.

To be on the waitlist for tickets, call 204-346-1077.

The Steinbach Arts Council thanks Nature’s Farm for sponsoring our program.

Steinbach Arts Council to celebrate an evening dedicated to possibility, generosity, and impact

The Steinbach Arts Council invites you to our annual fundraising gala on Friday, May 1. Featuring gourmet local cuisine, fine wine, local entertainment, and a curated auction, funds raised directly support subsidized programs, bursaries, free youth programming, and the growth of therapeutic arts initiatives in our region.

Thank you to our generous gala sponsors. A full list of sponsors is available on our event website.

To reserve your table, contact sydney@steinbacharts.ca or call 204-346-1077.

Join workshops at SAC

Stained glass workshop (18+)

Learn the ancient technique of stained glass making and create two beautiful pieces during this full-day workshop.

Saturday, April 25 | 9 a.m to 5 p.m. (1 hr lunch from 12-1) | SAC | Fee: $105

Intro to warm glass kiln carving workshop (18+)

Join us for a fun, beginner-friendly day of glass art where you will create a unique wall vase and a custom 5 × 5 glass piece using fiber paper carving techniques.

Saturday, May 23 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | SAC | Fee: $90

Our Culture & Heritage Workshops are made possible with support from Mark & Bonnie Loewen and Steinbach Hatchery and Feeds.